Greater Modularity Research Articles

Critique of DIN Kernel Lisp definition version 1.2

A critique of DIN Kernel Lisp is presented which argues for greater emphasis on implementation efficiency and language cleanliness, and a greater emphasis onParallel andpersistent Lisp environments. Specific recommendations include standardizing the S-expression rather than the character form of a program, using lexical scoping and shadowing to enhance subsystem modularity, relying on macros and compiler-macros for more pleasant syntax and greater modularity, requiring immutable/functional bindings, strings, vectors and lists; using object-oriented capabilities to build basic capabilities-e.g., generic arithmetic, streams and pathnames, relying ondefstruct instead ofdefclass, and standardizing ondefmethod for all function definitions. A virtual/synthetic class mechanism is presented to solve certain technical problems analogous to those solved by the “virtual function” mechanism of C++. Finally, we recommend the inclusion offutures as DKLisp's fundamental mechanism for the introduction of multiple parallel threads of computation.

The benefits and perils of system integration

The current health care environment is complex, with no single systems solution dominating the marketplace. A new approach utilizes Networked Systems Integration to link disparate systems together. This paper discusses the Systems Integration approach and suggests that it encourages user commitment, provides greater modularity, is cost effective, and supports solutions that offer greater functionality. However, it is noted that this approach is not without problems that can dramatically effect the realization of benefits.